Understanding How Much Baking Soda Should You Consume Per Day Safely

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Kidney Foundation, while medically prescribed sodium bicarbonate can treat acidosis in chronic kidney disease patients, it is not for self-medication. When considering how much baking soda should you consume per day for issues like indigestion, it is crucial to understand the strict limitations and potential dangers involved.

Quick Summary

Consuming baking soda as a home remedy requires extreme caution, as daily or long-term use is not safe due to its high sodium content. Strict adherence to small, short-term dosages for occasional indigestion is necessary to prevent severe health complications like metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte imbalance.

Key Points

Adhere to Label Instructions: For occasional indigestion relief, follow the quantity and frequency guidelines on the baking soda product label.
Not for Long-Term Use: Consuming baking soda should be limited to short-term use (no more than two weeks) to avoid severe health complications.
Significant Health Risks: Overuse can lead to metabolic alkalosis, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and in rare cases, stomach rupture.
Avoid If at Risk: Individuals with heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure should avoid baking soda due to its high sodium content.
Safer Alternatives Exist: Over-the-counter antacids are generally safer and more recommended for managing indigestion or heartburn.
Consult a Doctor: Always talk to a healthcare provider before using baking soda as a home remedy, especially if you have an underlying health condition.

Understanding the Dangers of Misusing Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a powerful alkaline agent that can neutralize stomach acid, offering temporary relief from indigestion or heartburn. However, its widespread use as a casual home remedy is not without serious risks, particularly due to its extremely high sodium content. Overconsumption or prolonged use can disrupt the body's delicate electrolyte balance and lead to a life-threatening condition called metabolic alkalosis, where the blood becomes overly alkaline. A single teaspoon of baking soda contains about 1,200 mg of sodium, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake for many adults. For those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or kidney issues, this high sodium load can be especially dangerous.

Guidelines for Occasional Indigestion Relief

For adults who do not have contraindications, and only under medical advice, small doses may be used on a very short-term basis for temporary relief of indigestion. This is not a sustainable or recommended long-term solution.

Important Usage Guidelines

For adults and adolescents over 12, the product label on baking soda typically indicates a quantity to be dissolved completely in at least 4 ounces of cool water. This solution should be taken after meals. The frequency and maximum quantity within a 24-hour period are also specified on the product label.

Usage Guidelines for Adults Over 60

Due to potential health risks, adults over 60 should consult with a healthcare professional regarding appropriate use and limitations.

General Advice

Do not exceed recommended amounts: Always adhere to the usage instructions provided on the product label or by a healthcare professional.
Limit duration: Avoid using baking soda for more than two weeks without consulting a healthcare provider.
Space doses out: Follow the recommended time intervals between administrations.
Consume slowly: Drinking the solution too quickly may lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Serious Health Risks of Overconsumption

Exceeding safe quantities or using baking soda for an extended period can result in severe health complications that far outweigh any temporary relief. These risks highlight why medical professionals often advise safer alternatives.

Electrolyte Imbalance and Heart Health

The high sodium concentration in baking soda can lead to sodium overload, which strains the kidneys, causes dehydration, and can dangerously alter potassium levels. This can cause irregular heartbeats, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Metabolic Alkalosis

This condition occurs when a surplus of bicarbonate ions shifts the body's pH balance to be too alkaline. Symptoms of metabolic alkalosis can range from mild issues like headaches and nausea to more severe problems such as confusion, muscle twitching, and seizures.

Gastrointestinal Damage

When baking soda mixes with stomach acid, it rapidly produces carbon dioxide gas. Consuming large amounts can lead to dangerous pressure buildup, which, in rare cases, has caused stomach rupture. This risk is heightened after consuming a large meal or binge drinking.

Who Should Not Consume Baking Soda?

Certain populations are at a significantly higher risk and should completely avoid consuming baking soda as a home remedy unless explicitly instructed by a doctor. These include:

Pregnant women
Children under 12
Individuals with kidney disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure
Anyone on a sodium-restricted diet
People taking certain medications, as baking soda can interfere with their absorption

Baking Soda vs. Safer Alternatives: A Comparison

To illustrate why over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are generally preferred, the following table compares key aspects of both options:


Feature	Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)	Over-the-Counter Antacids (e.g., Calcium Carbonate)
Active Ingredient	Sodium Bicarbonate	Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, etc.
Effectiveness	Neutralizes stomach acid, providing fast but temporary relief.	Neutralizes stomach acid, providing reliable relief.
Safety Profile	High sodium content, risk of metabolic alkalosis, electrolyte imbalance, gastric rupture.	Generally safer when used as directed, lower risk of severe side effects.
Sodium Content	Very high; a single teaspoon can exceed half the daily recommendation.	Low to negligible, depending on the product.
Long-Term Use	Not safe for long-term or daily use.	Many formulations are safe for regular, directed use.
Target Audience	Occasional, temporary relief for some adults under medical guidance.	Wide user base for short-term and sometimes long-term management of indigestion.

The Medical Use of Sodium Bicarbonate

It is important to distinguish between using household baking soda as a self-remedy and the medical use of sodium bicarbonate, which is a prescription medication. In a clinical setting, sodium bicarbonate is prescribed and carefully administered by doctors to treat specific conditions, such as metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney disease patients. This practice is closely monitored and tailored to the individual patient's blood work, making it distinctly different from casual, at-home consumption. For more information on kidney health, see the resources provided by the National Kidney Foundation.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you or someone you know has consumed a large amount of baking soda or is experiencing severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include:

Severe vomiting and/or diarrhea
Severe abdominal pain
Trouble breathing
Muscle weakness or spasms
Convulsions or seizures
Irregular heartbeat
Severe headache

In the event of an overdose, contact Poison Control immediately.

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety

While baking soda can be found in nearly every kitchen, its consumption as a home remedy for indigestion is not a benign practice. Using it safely involves strict adherence to guidelines on product labels and should only be considered for occasional relief in otherwise healthy adults under medical guidance. The significant risks associated with its high sodium content and potential for metabolic alkalosis mean that safer, over-the-counter antacids are almost always the better option. Before you consume baking soda, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs. Your safety should always be the priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not safe to consume baking soda every day. Daily, long-term use can lead to serious side effects, including metabolic alkalosis, electrolyte imbalance, and high blood pressure, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

For occasional indigestion, a healthy adult should follow the quantity recommendations provided on the baking soda product label and not exceed the maximum frequency within a 24-hour period as indicated. Always space out administrations according to the label.

Common side effects of consuming too much baking soda include nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, and increased thirst. More severe effects can involve electrolyte imbalances, seizures, and metabolic alkalosis.

Yes, in rare cases, drinking too much baking soda can cause a stomach rupture. The reaction with stomach acid releases a large amount of carbon dioxide gas, which can build up pressure and potentially cause damage.

Yes, people with high blood pressure should avoid consuming baking soda. It is very high in sodium, and excessive sodium intake can increase blood pressure and worsen cardiovascular risks.

If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms like chest pain, irregular heartbeat, confusion, or severe stomach pain, seek immediate medical attention. For guidance, you can also contact Poison Control.

No, baking soda is not safe for pregnant women or children. Manufacturer warnings and medical guidelines explicitly state that these groups should not consume baking soda unless directed by a healthcare provider.